Take The First Step in Heart Health with Cardiac Catheterization in Webster, Texas
As one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., heart disease takes a life every 37 seconds. According to a recent census by the American Heart Association, nearly half of the U.S. population suffers from cardiovascular disease.
At any given time, there’s a high percentage of individuals suffering from life-threatening heart disease—without even knowing it. If left undiagnosed and consequently untreated, poor cardiac health can be fatal.
At the Heart and Vascular Center Of Excellence in Houston Physcians’ Hospital, we use cardiac catheterization as an effective procedure to see whether you have a heart issue. It helps doctors rule out, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a thin tube called a catheter into an artery or a vein.
Cardiac catheterization is one of the most effective ways to determine potential problems with the functioning of the heart muscle, heart valves, and coronary arteries.
Why Should I Get Cardiac Catheterization?
Not only does the procedure help individuals rule out concerns, it also effectively prevents unidentified heart issues from worsening.
Here are some procedures that use cardiac catheterization at the Heart and Vascular Center Of Excellence:
- Placement of a coronary angioplasty/stent to open coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, that have narrowed or become blocked.
- Placement of a peripheral angioplasty/stent to open blood vessels that supply blood to your legs and that have narrowed or become blocked.
- Administer peripheral angiography, also called extremity angiography or peripheral arteriography, which uses X-rays and dye to test the arteries in your legs for narrowed or blocked areas.
- Placement of a pacemaker, a small electronic device in the chest to help regulate the electrical pulses in the heart, which otherwise may slow down.
- Placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a battery-powered device that detects and fixes life-threatening changes in your heart rhythm.
- Placement of an implantable loop recorder, a small device just beneath the skin of the chest that allows continuous remote heart rhythm monitoring.
- Cardioversion treats people suffering from irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) by placing electrodes on the chest and restoring normal heart rhythm by sending electric shocks to the heart.
How Should I Prepare for a Procedure?
You will be guided by cardiovascular physicians and specialists prior to the procedure. In most cases, there will be some dietary restrictions imposed immediately before and after the procedure.
In addition, we also recommend informing the cardiovascular team about any medications you are currently taking, including natural dietary supplements and herbal products. You also need to specify any allergies and health conditions, especially diabetes.
The procedure takes approximately 40 minutes to an hour.
Benefits of Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization reduces the chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. As the procedure progresses, cardiovascular physicians and specialists correct any issues or irregularities confronted along the way. By addressing all causes for concern, the cardiovascular team can help patients live healthy and active lives.
Cardiac Catheterization at the Heart and Vascular Center Of Excellence at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
With years of experience performing cardiac catheterization, the physicians in our Heart and Vascular Center Of Excellence help patients have a smooth experience with an easy recovery. Led by a team of world-class affiliated heart specialists and experienced staff, our surgeons use state-of-the-art technology in a safe environment, allowing patients to return home the same day as the procedure.
In addition, our cardiovascular physicians’ and specialists’ extensive expertise helps ensure each concern is tracked, addressed, and resolved, for a successful procedure that promotes long-term patient health and wellness.
Find out more about this procedure by contacting one of our cardiovascular specialists serving Southeast Texas—including South Houston, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, and Galveston.